AppMakers USA, a mobile and web application development company, has released its 2026 App Development Statistics report, a free industry reference compiling more than 45 sourced data points on app development costs, build timelines, user retention, AI adoption and app-store enforcement. The report draws from primary sources including Sensor Tower, Apple, Google and Stack Overflow.
Among the findings, consumer spending across iOS and Google Play reached $167 billion in 2025, up 10.6% year over year, while downloads climbed to roughly 150 billion, a record. That growth sits next to a retention problem most teams underestimate: Day-1 retention averages around 24%, dropping to 5-6% by day 30, meaning roughly 94% of new users churn within a month.
The report also tracks a widening gap between AI adoption and AI trust among developers. Stack Overflow's 2025 survey found 84% of developers are using or planning to use AI tools, up from 76% a year earlier, yet only about a third trust the accuracy of the output. Apple reviewed 7.7 million App Store submissions in 2024 and rejected more than 1.9 million, while Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps from Google Play that year.
"Most of the advice about building an app online is opinion without a source attached," said Daniel Haiem, CEO of AppMakers USA. "We wanted a page where every figure has a citation." AppMakers USA has shipped more than 400 apps across iOS, Android and web, including Number Hive, an education app used by more than 700,000 students, and ShiftPass, a shift marketplace live on both major app stores.
The implications of this report are significant for developers and businesses. The 94% churn rate underscores the need for effective onboarding and engagement strategies, while the $167 billion in consumer spending indicates a lucrative market for apps that can retain users. The AI adoption vs. trust gap suggests that while AI tools are becoming essential, developers must verify outputs. Additionally, the high rejection rates from Apple and Google highlight the importance of adhering to app store guidelines. As the app market matures, data-driven decisions become critical for success.
